Thaindian News

Rio de Janeiro, March 9 (IANS) Ronaldo defended FIFA’s secretary general Jerome Valcke’s recent harsh words for Brazil’s delayed football World Cup 2014 preparations.

Valcke declared last week that projects and construction in Brazil were behind schedule and near a standstill. He also stated that the organisers of the World Cup in Brazil needed a “kick in the backside” in order to get things moving.

Perhaps in an effort to pacify the uncomfortable atmosphere between Brazilian organisers and FIFA, Ronaldo, a member of Brazil’s local organising committee, came to the defence of the secretary general and agreed with his criticism, Xinhua reported.

Ronaldo claimed Thursday that Valcke’s statements may have gotten lost in translation and ended up offending Brazilians.

Additionally, Ronaldo admitted that many projects were indeed behind the schedule, but highlighted that most stadium construction sites were on schedule.

Before arriving in Brazil, Valcke apologised to all Brazilians who were offended by his comment. However, Brazil’s Minister of Sports Aldo Rebelo promised to continue with his petition to have Valcke removed from negotiations between FIFA and the Brazilian government.

Rebelo also promised that he would respond to Valcke’s apology, but has yet to do so nearly five days after Valcke’s appeal.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter sent an official letter to the Brazilian government asking for forgiveness for Valcke’s insensitive words.